Gulf Coast Mess Was Predictable

September 20, 2005|Tony Reimann BOYNTON BEACH

Hurricane Katrina hit South Florida four days before hitting the Gulf Coast. Power outages and downed trees occurred over the region. Even construction of an overpass was crumbled in a Category 1 hurricane.

Shortly after getting to the Gulf of Mexico, it was clear that a second hit would occur, and New Orleans was always within the cone of error. A gain in strength was inevitable, since we knew that the waters in the Gulf had temperatures of at least 90F.

The Weather Channel predicted many of the problems that occurred, and though it was a worst case scenario, it's one that our country should be prepared for. Isn't that one reason why we have the Department of Homeland Security? The Weather Channel left New Orleans before the storm hit because they knew what would happen and they had the means to leave.

After the storm hit, it took two days for President Bush to begin responding, and it's still not organized. He wants to check into problems, yet he doesn't want to play "the blame game."

Who will be held accountable for this massive failure if Bush or those who support him are in charge of finding problems?